NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • Scientists find over 200 hidden proteins that may drive Alzheimer’s: Study

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A groundbreaking study has uncovered more than 200 previously undetected misfolded proteins in the brains of aging rats with cognitive decline, offering new insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

    Unlike the well-known amyloid and tau proteins that clump into visible plaques, these newly identified proteins do not form detectable aggregates, making them harder to identify—but potentially just as damaging to brain function.

    Scientists believe these “stealth” misfolded proteins may bypass the brain’s natural cleanup mechanisms, silently impairing memory and cognitive abilities.

    The research, led by scientists at Johns Hopkins University, opens a new frontier in the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and may pave the way for novel treatment and prevention strategies.

    “These are proteins that misfold without forming amyloids,” said Stephen Fried, an assistant professor of chemistry and protein scientist at Johns Hopkins. “Amyloids are big and easy to spot under a microscope, but our research shows they’re just the tip of the iceberg.”

    The findings, published July 11 in Science Advances, are based on a study of 17 two-year-old rats—considered aged in terms of lifespan. Of those, seven were identified as cognitively impaired based on poor performance in memory and problem-solving tests, while the remaining 10 performed comparably to younger six-month-old rats.

    Researchers analyzed over 2,500 types of proteins in the hippocampus, the brain region associated with spatial learning and memory. For the first time, they were able to determine whether individual proteins were misfolded, allowing them to distinguish which deformities were related to aging in general, and which were specifically linked to cognitive decline.

    They found over 200 proteins that were misfolded in cognitively impaired rats but retained their proper shape in cognitively healthy ones—suggesting a strong connection between these deformities and declining brain function.

    Misfolded proteins are known to disrupt cellular processes, but until now, it was believed that only amyloid-forming proteins—like A-beta and tau—posed a threat. Fried noted that many other misfolded proteins, despite not forming visible clumps, may still evade the cell’s protective systems and contribute to degeneration.

    “We think there are a lot of misfolded proteins that don’t form amyloids and are still harmful,” Fried explained. “That suggests they have a way of escaping the cell’s surveillance system—but we don’t yet know how.”

    The team now plans to use high-resolution microscopy to study the molecular structures of these misfolded proteins in greater detail, in hopes of identifying new therapeutic targets.

    “A lot of us have seen loved ones lose the ability to perform everyday tasks,” Fried said. “Understanding what’s physically happening in the brain could lead to better treatments and preventive approaches.”

    —ANI

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China has trained the first teachers for the second Lu Ban Workshop in Kazakhstan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) — The Tianjin Vocational Institute (TVI) in northern China recently completed training for the first group of teachers who will work at the second Lu Ban Workshop in Kazakhstan, the Tianjin Daily newspaper reported.

    The course participants included 15 teachers from the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU) in Astana, Kazakhstan. During the artificial intelligence (AI) training, which started on June 23, they studied four core disciplines – data mining, machine learning, deep learning, and industrial internet – and also received practical training in AI-related technologies, a collaborative robot, and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

    Last year, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between TPI and ENU on the joint creation of the second Lu Ban Workshop in Kazakhstan, which will focus on AI. The first such institution in this country, founded with the support of TPI and aimed at training specialists in the field of transport and communications, was put into trial operation in 2023.

    As the teacher of this training, TPI teacher Li Guohui said: “We specially designed these training courses aimed at the industrial development of Kazakhstan. In particular, according to the scenarios of UAV technology application in local agricultural activities, the cadets from Kazakhstan not only learned flight control, but also completed a series of practical tasks, including mapping agricultural land.”

    He added that the first batch of training equipment intended for the second Lu Ban Workshop in Kazakhstan had already been delivered to the country, and installation and commissioning work would soon begin.

    Lu Ban Workshop, named after the famous ancient Chinese craftsman Lu Ban, is a brand of international vocational education initiated and promoted by Tianjin City Government.

    To date, China has built 34 Lu Ban Workshops in 30 countries and regions around the world. 10 of them were established in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Egypt and other SCO countries. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins and Colleagues Successfully Secure the Release of Crucial Education Funding for Schools and Afterschool Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Education announced it will officially release critical Fiscal Year 2025 funding to support 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which provide afterschool and summer learning opportunities for students. This announcement comes in response to a letter sent this week by Senator Collins and some of her Republican colleagues to Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), advocating for the release of anticipated education formula funding. Senator Collins also personally spoke to Education Secretary Linda McMahon to advocate for the release of this frozen funding yesterday.

    “21st Century Community Learning Centers support low-income families and rural communities with after-school programs and summer education that enable students to thrive and parents to continue working. This funding was appropriated by Congress and is relied on by many in our state. I am so glad my colleagues and I were able to work together to effectively urge the Administration to get these funds released. There is more funding that still needs to be disbursed, and I will continue to work to ensure it is delivered swiftly so educators can prepare for the upcoming academic year with certainty and Maine students and families have the resources they need to succeed,” said Senator Collins.

    Specifically, the letter, led by Senator Capito (R-WV) and Senator Collins, requests that the Administration faithfully implement the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act, which Congress passed and President Trump signed into law earlier this year. The letter was also signed by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Mike Rounds (R-SD). The complete text of the letter can be read here.

    As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and a founding member of the Senate Afterschool Caucus, Senator Collins has been a strong supporter of 21st Century Community Learning Centers.

    Last week, Senator Collins also announced that the Department of Education awarded a total of $4,981,867 in TRIO Student Support Services grants to 11 Maine colleges and universities after her questioning of Secretary McMahon on the proposed elimination of TRIO programs during an Appropriations hearing.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Russian teacher becomes ‘culture carrier’ using language as boat

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    TIANJIN, July 19 (Xinhua) — “Relax your tongue, let the air flow vibrate it, try to pronounce “tr-r-r-r” or “d-r-r-r” first… In a “intensive reading in Russian” class at Nankai University, Huang Mingtuo, associate professor of the Russian Language Department at the Institute of Foreign Languages, patiently explains to first-year students the method of pronouncing the “r” sound, which is unusual for Chinese people, helping the students overcome this “main enemy” in learning Russian.

    The students are actively trying, and the alveolar trembling sounds “tr-r-r-r” and “d-r-r-r” are heard in the classroom. Smiling, Juan Minto moves between the rows, humorously correcting and guiding the students, turning seemingly boring phonetic exercises into an exciting process. The classes are filled with cheerful laughter.

    In his lessons, Juan Minto often uses various game methods. “In this relay exercise, each student must repeat exactly what the previous students said and add their own new sentence. Let’s see if we can complete the whole chain without making any mistakes!” As soon as he said these words, the atmosphere in the lesson instantly became both tense and lively.

    “This is my teaching secret. ‘Relay Race’ not only trains students’ auditory perception, comprehension, short-term memory and fluency, but also imperceptibly strengthens their grammar and logical coherence,” Juan Minto explained.

    The principle of “going beyond the language and embracing the culture” is a long-standing pedagogical focus of Juan Minto and another of his secrets for awakening students’ enthusiasm for learning Russian. When the text of the lesson mentions “Baikal,” he appropriately talks about the majestic landscapes of the lake that he has seen himself, shares his impressions of tasting Baikal omul, and touches on the geographic and cultural knowledge associated with it.

    Juan Minto enjoys sharing with his students his impressions of the customs and traditions he received during his studies in Russia: from the strict theatre culture to the cultural and logical differences behind the idea that “Russians don’t like to smile.” He presents all of this in an engaging way during his classes. He has also become a “recommender” of Russian TV series and films: the TV series “Kitchen” and the cartoon “Once Upon a Time There Was a Dog” have become living teaching material for his students outside of the classroom. Watching visual content helps them improve their language skills and cultural understanding without even realizing it.

    “Our classes are always very lively. Teacher Juan makes learning the language interesting, and the knowledge is absorbed unnoticeably. We not only master the language, but also feel the unique charm of Russian culture,” shared one of the first-year students.

    Language as a boat connecting China and other countries. As the director of one of the projects of the National Social Science Foundation of China to translate Chinese academic literature into foreign languages, Huang Mingtuo devoted himself to translating and promoting the cultural history of the Yuan Dynasty in Russian-speaking countries.

    “During the Yuan Dynasty, China and Russia had official contacts. The Mongolian region, as a unique geographical and cultural unit linking the two countries, has deep historical roots in their relations. The translation of the history of the Yuan Dynasty is intended to introduce the Russian-speaking world to this important chapter in the origins of our relations,” Huang Mingtuo said.

    However, there are considerable difficulties in the translation process. Huang Mingtuo explained that the cultural history of the Yuan Dynasty contains a large number of Mongolian proper names and toponyms, whose Chinese spelling is itself a phonetic transcription from Mongolian. Therefore, before translating into Russian, it is necessary to first understand the Mongolian original.

    Huang Mingtuo believes that the essence of translation is to “be understandable to native speakers,” so it is necessary to use expressions and logic familiar to Russian speakers. To this end, he specifically consulted and learned from graduate students who speak Mongolian and Russian. For specific ranks and names of institutions of the Yuan Dynasty that have no direct equivalents in Russian, Huang Mingtuo applied the method of “descriptive translation.”

    Today’s witty and meticulous professor Juan Minto was himself a “hard-working student” more than a decade ago. During his undergraduate studies, in order not to disturb his classmates, he would constantly borrow textbooks and practice his pronunciation in a quiet corner of the classroom building corridor near a red fire hydrant. Students passing by would always hear the loud reading coming from there. Since then, he has been nicknamed “the senior at the fire hydrant.”

    From a “senior student at a fire hydrant” to a “carrier of cultures between China and Russia,” Huang Mingtuo is full of confidence in the future of students studying Russian. Under multilateral mechanisms such as the SCO, BRICS, and the China-Central Asia mechanism, China’s cooperation with many Russian-speaking countries is deepening, opening up boundless opportunities.

    “Teaching foreign languages has two missions: introducing China to the world and introducing China to the world. In the future, I will continue to use language as a boat and culture as a sail to cultivate more Russian language experts, so that Chinese stories can be turned into poetry, so that the light of dialogue can illuminate the mountains and seas, and so that every interaction between citizens of the two countries can become a bright drop on the crest of the wave of the era,” Huang Mingtuo said. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 19, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 19, 2025.

    Systematic bias: how Western media reproduces the Israeli narrative
    COMMENTARY: By Refaat Ibrahim “If words shape our consciousness, then the media holds the keys to minds.” This sentence is not merely a metaphor, but a reality we live daily in the coverage of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, where the crimes of the occupation are turned into “acts of violence”, the siege targeting civilians

    From ‘Stone Age’ treasury boss to National Party Senator: John Stone 1929-2025
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Head, Canberra School of Government, University of Canberra AUSPIC John Owen Stone AO was a legendary leader of the Commonwealth Treasury. He was secretary (departmental head) from January 1979 to September 1984 but was an intellectual driving force before then as deputy secretary from 1971

    Mark Latham’s portrait may come off federal caucus wall
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Labor caucus tolerates having the odd “rat” among the photos of ALP leaders on the party room wall, but Mark Latham may have now pushed it too far. After the latest bizarre scandal surrounding the one-time federal Labor leader,

    Connie Francis was the voice of a generation and the soundtrack of post-war America
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leigh Carriage, Senior Lecturer in Music, Southern Cross University Hulton Archive/Getty Images Connie Francis dominated the music charts in the late 1950s and early 1960s with hits like Stupid Cupid, Pretty Little Baby and Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You. The pop star, author and actor

    Trump has ‘chronic venous insufficiency’. Is it dangerous? Can it be treated?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Theresa Larkin, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, University of Wollongong Anna Moneymaker/Staff/Getty US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with “chronic venous insufficiency” after experiencing some mild swelling in his lower legs. According to a letter the White House published from the president’s doctor, the condition is

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 18, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 18, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China women’s basketball team kicks off Universiade title defense with easy win

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The Chinese women’s basketball team, the reigning champion, sealed a lop-sided 88-56 victory over Portugal in its first group match Friday at the FISU World University Games.

    Shooting guard Chen Yujie dished out 19 points for China with efficient 28 minutes on the court, making seven out of nine attempts, including a 3-pointer. Forward Li Xingnuo buried three 3-pointers out of six attempts to add 16 points. Three more Chinese players scored in double-digit points.

    Point guard Ines Ramos had a team-high 14 points from 11 shooting attempts. Forward Eva Carregosa was the only other Portuguese player contributing 10-plus points.

    China opened the game with a 3-0 run, all coming from free throws before Portugal reinforced its attacks to level the score 14-14 with Maria Do Camo Cruz’s field goal. Carregosa’s consecutive five points from a 3-pointer and two free throws gave Portugal a 23-20 lead to wrap up the first quarter.

    Starting strong in the second quarter with an 8-0 spurt, China contained Portugal to just four field goals throughout the quarter and built up a 46-33 advantage into the interval, outscoring Portugal by 26-10 in the period.

    China maintained its momentum back into the court with a 6-0 to start the third quarter. Five straight points from Ramos’ layup and 3-pointer helped Portugal narrow the deficit to 56-40, but a follow-up 3-pointer from Li Qingyang and a buzzer-beater from Zhang Zihan handed China an 18-point lead. The game went into the final period by 61-43.

    The final quarter was left to substitutes for both teams and the match ended with 88-56.

    China grabbed a total of 42 rebounds, 16 more than their opponents, which partly defined the direction of the game.

    “We met Portugal at the Chengdu Universiade in 2023, so we somehow know their style,” said Chinese coach Zhao Xuetong, a basketball trainer from Beijing Normal University, where most of the Chinese players come.

    “We are the (Universiade) titleholder, but the squad here is much different, and some top players called up two years ago are absent. Hopefully, we can play better and finish our campaign here on podium.”

    In the other match in Group D, Romania snatched a narrow win of 64-60 over Chile. China will meet Romania and Portugal is to take on Chile on Saturday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Systematic bias: how Western media reproduces the Israeli narrative

    COMMENTARY: By Refaat Ibrahim

    “If words shape our consciousness, then the media holds the keys to minds.”

    This sentence is not merely a metaphor, but a reality we live daily in the coverage of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, where the crimes of the occupation are turned into “acts of violence”, the siege targeting civilians into “security measures”, and the legitimate resistance into “terrorist acts”.

    This linguistic distortion is not innocent; it is part of a “systematic mechanism” practised by major Western media outlets, through which they perpetuate a false image of a “conflict between two equal sides”, ignoring the fact that one is an occupier armed with the latest military technology, and the other is a people besieged in their land for decades.

    Here, the ethical question becomes urgent: how does the media shift from conveying truth to becoming a tool for justifying oppression?

    Western media institutions promote a colonial narrative that reproduces the discourse of Israeli superiority, using linguistic and legal mechanisms to justify genocide.

    But the rise of global awareness through social media platforms and documentaries like We Are Not Numbers, produced by youth in Gaza, exposes this bias and brings the Palestinian narrative back to the forefront.

    Selective coverage . . .  when injustice becomes an opinion
     “Terrorism”, “self-defence”, “conflict” . . . are all terms that place the responsibility for violence on Palestinians while presenting Israel as the perpetual victim. This linguistic shift contradicts international law, which considers settlements a war crime (according to Article 8 of the Rome Statute), yet most reports avoid even describing the West Bank as “occupied territory”.

    More dangerously, the issue is reduced to “violent events” without mentioning their contexts: how can the Palestinian people’s resistance be understood without addressing 75 years of displacement and the siege of Gaza since 2007? The media is like someone commenting on the flames without mentioning who ignited them.

    The Western media coverage of the Israeli war on Gaza represents a blatant model of systematic bias that reproduces the Israeli narrative and justifies war crimes through precise linguistic and media mechanisms. Below is a breakdown of the most prominent practices:

    Stripping historical context and portraying Palestinians as aggressor

    Ignoring the occupation: Media outlets like the BBC and The New York Times ignored the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories since 1948 and focused on the 7 October 2023 attack as an isolated event, without linking it to the daily oppression such as home demolitions and arrests in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

    Misleading terms: The war has often been described as a “conflict between Israel and Hamas”, while Gaza is considered the largest open-air prison in the world under Israeli siege since 2007. Example: The Economist described Hamas’s attacks as “bloody”, while Israeli attacks were called “military operations”.

    Dehumanising Palestinians
     Language of abstraction: The BBC used terms like “died” for Palestinians versus “killed” for Israelis, according to a quantitative study by The Intercept, weakening sympathy for Palestinian victims.

    Victim portrayal: While Israeli death reports included names and family ties (like “mother” or “grandmother”), Palestinians were shown as anonymous numbers, as seen in the coverage of Le Monde and Le Figaro.

    Israeli political rhetoric: Media outlets reported statements by Israeli leaders such as dismissed defence minister Yoav Gallant, who described Palestinians as “human animals”, and Benjamin Netanyahu, who called them “children of darkness”, without critically analysing this rhetoric that strips them of their humanity.

    Distorting resistance and linking it to terrorism
     Misleading comparisons: The October 7 attack was compared to “9/11” and described as a “terrorist attack” in The Washington Post and CNN, reinforcing the “war on terror” narrative and justifying Israel’s excessive response.

    Fake news: Papers like The Sun and Daily Mail promoted the story of “beheaded Israeli babies” without evidence, a story even adopted by US president Joe Biden, only to be disproven later by videos showing Hamas’ humane treatment of captives.

    Selective coverage and suppression of the Palestinian narrative
     Silencing journalists: Journalists such as Zahraa Al-Akhras (Global News) and Bassam Bounni (BBC) were dismissed for criticising Israel or supporting Palestine, while others were pressured to adopt the Israeli narrative.

    Defaming Palestinian institutions: The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal claimed the Palestinian death toll figures were “exaggerated”, ignoring UN and human rights organisations’ reports that confirmed their accuracy.

    Manipulating legal and ethical terms
     Denying war crimes: Deutsche Welle stated that Israeli attacks are “not considered war crimes”, despite the destruction of hospitals and the killing of tens of thousands of civilians.

    Legal misinformation: The BBC referred to Israeli settlements in the West Bank as “disputed territories”, despite the UN declaring them illegal.

    Double standards in conflict coverage
     Comparison with Ukraine: Western media linked support for Ukraine and Israel as “victims of aggression”, while ignoring that Israel is an occupying power under international law. Terminology shifted immediately: “invasion”, “war crimes”, “occupation” were used for Ukraine but omitted when speaking of Palestine.

    According to a 2022 study by the Arab Media Monitoring Project, 90 percent of Western reports on Ukraine used language blaming Russia for the violence, compared to only 30 percent in the Palestinian case.

    This contradiction exposes the underlying “racist bias”: how is killing in Europe called “genocide”, while in Gaza it is termed a “complicated conflict”? The answer lies in the statement of journalist Mika Brzezinski: “The only red line in Western media is criticising Israel.”

    False neutrality: Sky News claimed it “could not verify” the Baptist Hospital massacre, despite video documentation, yet quickly adopted the Israeli narrative.

    Consequences: legitimising genocide and marginalising Palestinian rights
     Western media practices have contributed to normalising Israeli violence by portraying it as “legitimate defence”, while resistance is labelled as “terrorism.”

    Deepening Palestinian isolation: By stripping them of the right to narrate, as shown in an academic study by Mike Berry (Cardiff University), which found emotional terms used exclusively to describe Israeli victims.

    Undermining international law: By ignoring reports from organisations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which confirm Israel’s commission of war crimes.

    Violating journalistic ethics . . .  when the journalist becomes the occupation’s lawyer
     Journalistic codes of ethics — such as the charter of the “International Federation of Journalists” — unanimously agree that the media’s primary task is “to expose the facts without fear”. But the reality proves the opposite:

    In 2023, CNN deleted an interview with a Palestinian survivor of the Jenin massacre after pressure from the Israeli lobby (according to an investigation by Middle East Eye).

    The Guardian was forced to edit the headline of an article that described settlements as “apartheid” after threats of legal action.

    This self-censorship turns journalism into a “copier of official statements”, abandoning the principle of “not compromising with ruling powers” emphasised by the “International Journalists’ Network”.

    Toward human-centred journalism
     Fixing this flaw requires dismantling biased language: replacing “conflict” with “military occupation”, and “settlements” with “illegal colonies”.

    Relying on international law: such as mentioning Articles 49 and 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention when discussing the displacement of Palestinians.

    Giving space to victims’ voices: According to an Amnesty report, 80% of guests on Western TV channels discussing the conflict were either Israeli or Western.

    Holding media institutions accountable: through pressure campaigns to enforce their ethical charters (such as obligating the BBC to mention “apartheid” after the HRW report).

    Conclusion
     The war on Gaza has become a stark test of media ethics. While platforms like Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye have helped expose violations, major Western media outlets continue to reproduce a colonial discourse that enables Israel. The greatest challenge today is to break the silence surrounding the crimes of genocide and impose a human narrative that restores the stolen humanity of the victims.

    “Occupation doesn’t just need tanks, it needs media to justify its existence.” These were the words of journalist Gideon Levy after witnessing how his camera turned war crimes into “normal news”.

    If Western media is serious about its claim of neutrality, it must start with a simple step: call things by their names. Words are not lifeless letters, they are ticking bombs that shape the consciousness of generations.

    Refaat Ibrahim is the editor and creator of The Resistant Palestinian Pens website, where you can find all his articles. He is a Palestinian writer living in Gaza, where he studied English language and literature at the Islamic University. He has been passionate about writing since childhood, and is interested in political, social, economic, and cultural matters concerning his homeland, Palestine. This article was first published at Pearls and Irritations social policy journal in Australia.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weatherIn addition, infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and overweight people are more susceptible to heat stroke. These groups should pay special attention to the following:
     ​”Heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

    Members of the public are also advised to pay attention to the latest weather, as well as the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above):
     ​If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

    ​The public may obtain more information from the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat strokeIssued at HKT 7:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/17/2025 Blackburn, Skrmetti Call for FTC Investigation Into Questionable Online Marketing of Alternatives to FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to Andrew Ferguson, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), urging the FTC to investigate shady online marketing practices of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    These drugs are increasingly being advertised as alternatives to FDA-approved weight loss medications like Ozempic and are being advertised in ways that mislead consumers and undermine both public health and the integrity of the pharmaceutical marketplace.
    Foreign Criminals and Con Artists Are Hijacking the FDA-Approved Weight Loss Drug Market
    “The FDA-approved GLP-1 medications are life-changing for millions of patients and resulted from decades of research and testing. Amid the unprecedented demand for these miracle medicines, foreign criminals and con artists are defrauding and endangering Americans by selling and shipping counterfeit or deceptively-marketed GLP-1 drugs and active ingredients. Many sellers of these drugs advertise directly to consumers on social media, claiming that their products are an easier and more affordable way to obtain GLP-1 drugs.”
    Study Finds Most Websites Do Not Disclose GLP-1 Drugs Aren’t FDA-Approved

    “Federal law requires that advertising for drugs be ‘truthful, non-misleading and accurate.’ A recent peer-reviewed analysis… reviewed online sales advertising for compounded GLP-1 medications between July and September 20243. The findings of the analysis were disturbing. The authors of the study report that ‘most websites did not disclose that compounded GLP-1 RAS were not FDA approved, although some suggested these drugs were FDA approved. Many websites provided limited safety information and unauthorized efficacy claims. Some websites did not disclose that these medications were compounded or incorrectly referred to them as generic.’ More than a third of the sites failed to include precautions, warnings, or contraindications. Fourteen percent even failed to disclose adverse effects. Moreover, many of these sites employed aggressive and manipulative marketing tactics that closely resemble those used in unscrupulous supplement sales, including celebrity endorsements, discount countdown timers, and testimonial-heavy landing pages. Consumers are often directed through low-barrier ‘consultations’ that circumvent the more thorough medical evaluation such a prescription should require.”
    Manipulative Marketing Has Resulted in Severe Harm to Unsuspecting Consumers 

    “These illicit activities have already resulted in severe harm to unsuspecting users. To date, there have been over 900 adverse events associated with compounded versions of the two leading therapies in this class – trizepitide and semaglutide – including at least 17 deaths. These are not isolated incidents. What we are seeing is a growing commercial ecosystem that relies on the facade of legitimacy, all the while sidestepping appropriate regulatory oversight. Consumers seeking to improve their health are funneled through online evaluations and presented with products that may well pose genuine medical risks, all while being told they are receiving the same benefits as prescription medications that have passed FDA review.”

    The FTC Should Investigate These Marketing Practices

    “Traditionally the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plays an important complementary role alongside the FDA in protecting consumers from false advertising practices related to drugs. Your authority is clear under Section 5 of the FTC Act. We urge the Commission to initiate a formal investigation into these advertising practices by companies marketing GLP-1 drugs-whether compounded, counterfeit, or otherwise misrepresented-and consider enforcement actions where warranted. We also encourage the FTC to work with the FDA to issue clear guidance regarding the marketing of compounded pharmaceuticals, particularly those marketed as substitutes for regulated medications. The risks to consumers are real and growing. As an elected representative of the people of Tennessee and the State’s chief legal officer, we know that deceptive marketing practices like these undermine consumer trust and put people at serious risk. Swift action will help protect public health and reaffirm the Commission’s role in ensuring ‘truthful, non-misleading and accurate’ advertising of sensitive products consumers are putting into their bodies.”

    Click here to read the full letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/18/2025 Blackburn, Harris Lead Fight to Hold National Education Association Accountable for Putting Politics Over Students

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representative Mark Harris (R-N.C.) introduced the National Education Association Charter Repeal Act to revoke the congressional charter of the nation’s largest teachers’ union and the only labor union with a federal charter:

    “Time and again, teachers’ unions have shown they’ll put their political agenda ahead of students’ needs,” said Senator Blackburn. “The National Education Association has made it crystal clear it’s a partisan organization, and it shouldn’t be rewarded with a federal charter that platforms woke gender ideology, antisemitism, and left-wing propaganda. Our students deserve better.”

    “Congress established the NEA in 1906 to support America’s teachers and strengthen our schools, but it has abandoned that mission in favor of a radical agenda,” said Representative Harris. “From branding President Trump a fascist to embracing divisive gender ideology and walking away from efforts to fight antisemitism, the NEA has become nothing more than a partisan advocacy group. Since the NEA is clearly not prioritizing students, parents or even teachers, it’s time to remove Congress’ seal of approval from this rogue organization.”
    BACKGROUND
    Last week, the National Education Association (NEA) voted to fight against President “Trump’s embrace of fascism,” promote LGBTQ events in public schools, and sever all ties with the Anti-Defamation League. These latest examples of NEA’s blatant political bias, along with its recent promotion of hatred and antisemitism, are a clear departure from the organization’s intended purpose.
    The NEA has a long list of egregious violations of public trust:
    In the 2024 election cycle, 98 percent of NEA political donations went to Democrats. 
    In 2023, the NEA partnered with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), who collaborated with the Target Corporation to promote an obscene, radical agenda in their stores.
    In July 2021, the NEA adopted measures to support critical race theory.
    The NEA stood in the way of reopening schools in 2020 and 2021 by threatening strikes and influencing CDC guidance process to make it harder for schools to reopen.

    THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION CHARTER REPEAL ACT
    The National Education Association Charter Repeal Act would:
    Eliminate the congressional authorization of the NEA; and
    Formally remove Congress’ “seal of approval” and the suggestion that the government is responsible for the NEA’s operations.
    Click here for bill text.
    ENDORSEMENTS
    The National Education Association Charter Repeal Act is endorsed by Moms for Liberty, Heritage Action, Young America’s Foundation, American Principles Project, and the National Right to Work.

    “It’s incredibly sad that the nation’s largest teachers union has put woke politics before America’s children. The NEA’s embrace of radical left policies and antisemitism combined with their rejection of parental rights has forced moms and dads across America to condemn this organization. Moms For Liberty is incredibly thankful for Congressman Mark Harris, and his bold stand to remove the NEAs congressional charter. While other members just talk, Mark stepped up and took action,” said Tina Descovich, CEO of Moms for Liberty.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: Department of Education to Release After-School Funds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    07.18.25
    BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Education will release funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which supports after-school programs in North Dakota. Upon hearing about the issue from Bismarck Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Fastnacht and Mackenzie County Public Schools Superintendent Steve Holen, Hoeven worked to release the funds, outlining the importance of the funding to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
    “We heard about the importance of these after-school programs from North Dakota superintendents, and worked with OMB to get the funding released. These funds help provide quality after-school programs for North Dakota students while enabling their parents to work, which is vital for students but also local economies,” said Hoeven.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pressley, McGovern, Project Bread Sound Alarm on Republicans’ Devastating Food Assistance Cuts, Harm to Massachusetts Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Massachusetts Families Fear Worsening Hunger Crisis Amid Trump’s Cuts to SNAP in Big, Ugly Bill

    Photos (DropBox)

    EAST BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02) convened a listening session in East Boston with Project Bread, the leading statewide food security organization in Massachusetts, to highlight the devastating impacts that Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill will have on Massachusetts families who rely on federal food assistance.

    “No one in Massachusetts – no child, student, parent, or senior – should go hungry.,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley. “Trump and Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill is a shameful betrayal of our shared humanity and will make communities in the Massachusetts 7th and across the country hungrier, poorer, and sicker. SNAP is a lifeline, especially for families facing other insecurities, and for Black, brown, and LGBTQ+ households that face the highest rates of food insecurity. Listening to families directly impacted by this crisis is essential as we chart a path forward, and I’m grateful to fight alongside Rep. McGovern, Project Bread, state and local leaders, and critical food assistance, nutrition, and farming advocates to ensure food justice for all.”

    “Federal nutrition assistance programs put food on the table for families across Massachusetts. Today, we heard directly from some of those families about how the Trump’s Big Ugly Bill and DOGE cuts will make families more hungry and less healthy. Forty-two million people – the vast majority of which are working people, kids, seniors, and people with disabilities – will see their SNAP benefits cut and families with teenagers, older adults, veterans, former foster youth, and homeless people could lose their benefits altogether,” said Rep. James P. McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. “Kids will have less nutritious food at school and families utilizing food pantries will have less access to fruits and vegetables. I can’t think of anything more cruel than taking food away from hungry families all to fund tax breaks for billionaires.” 

    “Project Bread hears from over 25,000 families every year just how critical food assistance programs are. People experiencing hunger share how they are working hard to provide for their families, navigating work challenges, health crises, family concerns, and much more, and it is important that we listen and uplift the real stories of food insecurity in Massachusetts,” said Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread. “We invest in building connections with those directly experiencing hunger because that lived expertise is central to how we develop and implement sustainable community solutions. Hunger is a policy choice. In Massachusetts, we are lucky to have powerful congressional and community leaders ready to listen, learn, and lead in the fight to ensure everyone can put food on the table.”

    Congresswoman Pressley, Congressman McGovern, and Project Bread discussed the stories of people with lived experience in the Massachusetts 7th, as well as partners and advocates, including Ricardo Henry, Community Leader of Neighborhood Food Action Collaborative; Sandra Nijjar, Founder of East Boston Community Soup Kitchen; Carlos Morales, Food Access Manager of La Colaborativa; Michelle Doyle, Meals Program Director of Prospect Hill Academy Charter School; Alexandra Mello, Project Bread Council of Experts; Janin Otero, Project Bread Council of Experts, and others. Also joining them were state and local officials, including State Representative Adrian Madaro, State Senator Lydia Edwards, State Senator Sal DiDomenico, Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata; Jeffrey McCue, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance; Julianne Stelmaszyk, Director of the Division of Food Security at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources; Allison Bovell-Ammon, Assistant Undersecretary for Children and Family Services at the MA Executive Office of Health and Human Services; and Aliza Wasserman, Director of the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Food Justice.

    Photo from the listening session are available here.

    Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Pressley has been a champion for food security and justice and ensuring families have the essential food assistance they deserve. She has been an outspoken critic of the Big, Ugly Bill since its inception and Republicans’ harmful cuts to SNAP and other government service programs.

    • Rep. Pressley joined colleagues at a press conference imploring the House to reject the cruel and harmful legislation.
    • Rep. Pressley joined the Congressional Black Caucus and over 100 colleagues in stalling a vote on the Big, Ugly Bill.  
    • Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Senate’s passage of the Big, Ugly Bill and vowing to continue fighting it using every tool available.
    • Rep. Pressley rallied with advocates from Caring Across Generations, Care Can’t Wait, and partner organizations to protest Trump’s and Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill that proposes disastrous cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential programs and would leave communities sicker, poorer, and more vulnerable.
    • Ahead of the House’s vote on the bill, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned speech on the House floor in which she made a direct appeal to her Republican colleagues to oppose this cruel and harmful bill.
    • Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she slammed the bill’s proposed Medicaid cuts, which would decimate reproductive healthcare in America and worsen maternal health outcomes.
    • Rep. Pressley co-hosted a press conference with Color of Change to oppose the Republicans’ cruel and harmful budget reconciliation package, which would gut critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
    • In the House Oversight Committee’s markup of the Republican reconciliation bill, Rep. Pressley demanded Republicans answer to the families who would go hungry by way of this reconciliation bill – and she was met with silence.
    • In an impassioned speech on the House floor, Rep. Pressley slammed Republicans’ cruel and callous budget resolution that would slash Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical government services to pay for trillions of dollars in tax giveaways for Donald Trump’s billionaire donors.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon State Treasury Announces Hiring of New Director of Private Market Investments

    Source: US State of Oregon

    he Oregon State Treasury announced today the hiring of Tad Fergusson, CFA, as Director of Private Market investments. Fergusson will start at Treasury in his new role on July 28.

    Fergusson joins Treasury with nearly three decades of experience in institutional investing and portfolio management. In his position, he will play a key leadership role in overseeing Oregon’s private markets investments on behalf of the Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund (OPERF) and other state trust funds.

    Oregon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner said, “Private market investments are an important part of Oregon’s portfolio. Tad brings his experience and expertise to Treasury at a time when global economic uncertainty makes our investment decisions more complex. I welcome Tad to Treasury and look forward to working with him.”

    Prior to joining Treasury, Fergusson has served as Managing Principal at Meketa Investment Group since 2019, where he advised some of the largest public pension plans in the country across private equity, private credit, and real assets. Previously, he spent more than two decades at Pension Consulting Alliance, leading private equity consulting efforts and guiding strategy for major public pension plans. Fergusson holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Oregon and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

    “I’m honored to join the Oregon State Treasury as Director of Private Markets and am grateful for the opportunity to lead this team,” said Tad Fergusson. “As a lifelong Oregonian, I look forward to building strong relationships with our partners and stakeholders as we work together to deliver long-term, sustainable value for Oregon and our state’s public employees.”

    In his new role, Fergusson will oversee Treasury’s private market investments, which has historically been one of the best performing asset classes within OPERF. Over the last 10 years, private equity investments have returned 12.69%, the highest rate of return for any asset class within the retirement fund’s portfolio. With approximately 26% of the portfolio currently allocated to private equity, these investments play a key role in helping to deliver long-term, risk-adjusted returns for Oregon’s public retirees.

    As Director of Private Market Investments, Fergusson will report to Chief Investment Officer Rex Kim. He will join a team of investment professionals responsible for managing Oregon’s globally diversified portfolio on behalf of public entities and beneficiaries of the state retirement system.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Helps Advance First Four Spending Bills with Alaska Wins

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    07.18.25
    Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, voted to advance four bills for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) that contain significant investments for Alaska. The four appropriations bills that passed committee are for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (AG); Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon); Commerce, Justice, and Science and Related Agencies (CJS); and Legislative Branch (LEG). All were approved in committee, and will now advance to the Senate floor for consideration.
    “With crucial investments in affordable housing, infrastructure, public safety, and fisheries, we are addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by Alaskans, and helping the sustainability and future of not only our communities, but our way of life. I am proud to fight for Alaskan priorities and ensure that our state’s needs are met,” said Senator Murkowski.
    HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND SCIENCE (CJS) APPROPRIATIONS BILL
    Supporting NOAA’s Mission in Alaska
    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a vital partner for the state of Alaska, leveraging partnerships at federal, state, local, and Tribal levels. NOAA provides everything from real time weather forecasts to fisheries monitoring, so that our communities are safe and our way of life is sustainable. To that end, Senator Murkowski prioritized ensuring the agency had programmatic support from the CJS Appropriations Bill to further advance their core missions in Alaska.
    One of the largest wins included $75 million for NOAA to recapitalize vessels, so that the fleet can continue to provide state-of-the-art weather forecasts and fisheries monitoring. The budget also included a $1 million increase for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Regional Observations, which directly supports Alaska’s Ocean Observing System.
    Wins for NOAA Fisheries that will support sustainable seafood harvesting and conserving habitat:
    $10 million increase for Fisheries Surveys to support the historical levels of Alaska trawl surveys and exploring shifting fish stocks
    $3.125 million for the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP), an increase of $250,000. This program was established to develop improved fishing practices and gear technologies in the effort of reducing bycatch.
    $4 million for the Fishery Survey Contingency Fund, which was established through the U.S. Treasury to compensate Alaska fishermen for economic losses.
    $5.5 million increase for Salmon Management Activities, which will be used to support the production of 42 million hatchery fish, to help increase the harvest for Tribal, commercial, and recreational fisheries.
    $41.5 million for the Pacific Salmon Treaty, a $500K increase from last fiscal year. This funding will go towards joint United States/Canada management of salmon fishing to prevent over-fishing and provide for optimum harvest
    $58.4 million for Observers and Training, including $2 million for the North Pacific Observer Program. These programs are essential for the conservation and management of fisheries in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Island, and Gulf of Alaska
    Wins for NOAA Weather & Climate Monitoring Systems
    $5 million increase for the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC). The NDBC is a network of monitoring infrastructure that collects and analyzes real-time data to ensure maritime safety.
    $10 million increase for Analyze, Forecast, and Support – includes language supporting tsunami detection and response systems relevant to Alaska.
    Advancing Connectivity in Alaska
    Senator Murkowski has set herself apart with her focus on broadband infrastructure in Alaska, shepherding record investment to the state through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021. She continues to be a leader in the space, inserting report language in the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program that acknowledges Alaska’s challenges with short construction seasons and logistics, laying the groundwork for future flexibility and support if needed. She also directed the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to consider supplemental funding that would ensure rural and remote Tribal projects are completed.
    Promoting Public Safety in Alaska
    Public safety in Alaska is always foremost on Senator Murkowski’s mind—particularly in our rural communities. She used the CJS bill as a vehicle for direct investment towards advancing that goal. The bill includes an increase in funding for the Tribal Youth Program, which does everything from improvements to the juvenile justice system, invest in alcohol and substance abuse prevention programs, and offer mental health services for Tribal youth. She was able to secure a 5% Tribal Set-Aside in the Crime Victims Fund along with strong report language that supports Tribal flexibility and streamlined access. The Senator also included increased funding for Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction, with language supporting Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) efforts and improved Department of Justice (DOJ) grant coordination for Native communities. Additionally, the bill follows up on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on MMIW with a directive for immediate reporting.
    Alaska faces some of the highest rates of sexual assault per capita of any state, and Senator Murkowski was intent on using the CJS bill to address this crisis. She approved an almost tripling of the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Grants funding, which will support training and resources for forensic examination of sexual assault survivors. The Senator also included report language directing the Office for Victims of Crime/Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to support Alaska-specific Child Advocacy Centers.
    The bill also includes funding increases for Transitional Housing Assistance, Underserved Populations Program, Regional Information Sharing Systems, and Veterans Treatment Courts.
    Investing in Arctic Research
    As the leading expert in Congress on Arctic policy and polar affairs, Senator Murkowski uses her position to advance American priorities in the North. The bill provides $9.1 billion, just $60 million below the last enacted level – preserving support for critical Arctic scientific research despite tight fiscal constraints. Arctic research remains a priority, with the National Science Foundation (NSF) playing a key role in supporting long-term monitoring, infrastructure development, and partnerships with Alaska-based institutions and Indigenous communities.
    In addition to broader programmatic funding to help Alaskans, Murkowski was able to secure investments in this bill that are specific to local 17 Alaska communities or entities, projects that have been requested and prioritized by local governments and organizations:
    Anchorage: $305,000 to support the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Alaska so they can further advance their mission of catching child sexual predators
    Anchorage: $1.5 million for the University of Alaska Anchorage to acquire specialty equipment that will help propel the institution to be a leader in biotechnological innovation, leveraging Alaska’s Arctic environment
    Bethel: $70,000 for the purchase and installation of a new security system at the Bethel Police Department’s headquarters
    Cordova: $355,000 to update equipment for climate and ecosystem monitoring as part of a ten-year long study of the region
    Fairbanks: $1.5 million to develop drone-borne maritime lidar to count salmon.
    Statewide: $498,000 for the creation and deployment of a Mobile Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) that will provide coordinated care to survivors of sexual assault in rural communities where traditional, stationary services may not be readily available
    Southeast: $500,000 for Sealaska Heritage Institute to develop and implement a sustainable workforce development program to address growth in fisheries and ocean sciences in Southeast Alaska over the next ten years
    Ketchikan: $3 million to upgrade its radio communication system, which has been identified as an essential public safety need in the after-action plan following recent landslides to improve disaster response and community resilience
    Statewide: $2 million for the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation to modernize and revitalize Alaska’s seafood industry by investing in processing innovation, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements.
    Statewide: $2.5 million for the North Pacific Research Board to investigate how ecosystem changes in the Northern Bering Sea influence species of commercial, ecological, and subsistence importance to inform local, state, and federal fisheries management
    Statewide: $1 million to help implement Next Generation 911, which will improve location accuracy and system resiliency for emergency call centers
    Statewide: $500,000 for the Bering Sea Fisherman’s Association to enable Tribes and Tribal organizations to participate as Cooperating Agencies in environmental analysis and management decisions made by federal agencies that affect subsistence resources.
    Statewide: $165,000 for the Alaska Ocean Observing System to purchase an Imaging Flow CytoBots (IFCBs) to continue monitoring for harmful algal blooms.
    Statewide: $1 million for Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center to support Tribes in implementing survivor-centered and trauma-informed programs in Tribal justice systems
    Statewide: $3.5 million for the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA) to support their mission of serving survivors of gender-based violence
    Unalaska: $3.5 million for the Bristol Bay Science and Research Institute to genetically analyze chum salmon from the pollock fishery bycatch in the Bering Sea to determine when and where Western Alaska chum salmon are being caught
    Valdez: $5.5 million to replace obsolete and failed emergency services communication towers and equipment
    HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES (AG) APPROPRIATIONS BILL
    Investments in housing and community development
    Affordable housing remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Alaska and our country. Senator Murkowski was intent on using the AG spending bill to address this challenge, particularly in rural communities where the cost of development remains prohibitively high. She supported $1.715 billion for the Rental Assistance Program, which will help low-income families around the country with for affordable rental housing in rural areas. She was able to secure $25 million for very low-income housing repair grants so that Alaskans can stay in their homes safely.
    Also included in the legislation was $1.25 billion for direct loans to improve critical infrastructure such as public safety buildings and community centers in rural communities.
    Updating Alaska’s clean water and utility infrastructure
    Senator Murkowski has made it her mission to ensure Alaska has the infrastructure to support daily life – no matter what community Alaskans’ call home. She was able to include $65 million for Rural Water and Waste Disposal Grants, and inserted report language that would prioritize Alaska Native communities. She also was able to secure $8 million for the High Energy Cost Grant Program, which assists energy providers in lowering energy costs for families with extremely high per-household energy costs.
    Bolstering food security and agriculture
    Senator Murkowski has been focused on bolstering Alaska’s food security for many years. She was able to secure a number of Alaska-specific wins, including:
    $5 million for Micro-Grants for Food Security, with report language prioritizing eligibility for reindeer herders, greenhouse growers, and hydroponic farmers
    $5 million for Alaska Native-Serving Institutions to promote equal access to education in rural Alaska and provide sustainable food and energy solutions for Alaska Native communities
    $3.5 million for the Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Transportation Program, helping offset high freight costs for Alaskan producers
    $3 million for the FDPIR 638 Contracting Authority Pilot, with direction for the USDA to allow direct purchases of traditional foods directly from small indigenous producers
    $888.9 million for the Summer Food Service Program, with report language supporting the continued implementation of non-congregate meal service to ensure low-income students can eat while school is out
    $1.826 billion for Agricultural Research Service, with continued funding for research on cover crops and cereal grains for northern climates and permafrost regions
    In addition, the bill includes $80 million for The Emergency Food Assistance Program’s storage and distribution funding to ensure rural food banks can receive supplies; a $3 billion increase for Child Nutrition programs, including School Breakfast and School Lunch programs, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, as well as a $603 million increase to fully fund Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The bill also directs USDA to work with states, tribes, and local stakeholders to use federal nutrition dollars for the direct purchase of foods from local and regional producers for the various food assistance programs.
    In addition to programmatic funding to help Alaskans, Murkowski was able to secure investments in this bill that are specific for 10 Alaska communities, projects that have been requested and prioritized by local governments and organizations:
    Bethel: $605,000 to establish a permanent Food Bank and Pantry in Bethel
    Eagle: $750,000 for the construction of a fire hall/public safety building for the local fire department and Emergency Medical Services team
    Houston: $1.95 million for the construction of Public Works Facility so preventive maintenance can be performed on equipment
    Kenai: $2.045 million for the installation of telecommunications infrastructure to improve emergency response times and enhance public communications
    Nunapitchuk: $55,000 to develop a Preliminary Investigation Feasibility Report whether the Native Village of Nunapitchuk can pursue a community-wide relocation project in the Nunavakanukakslak Lake-Johnson River Watershed
    Petersburg: $225,000 to purchase emergency response equipment for the local fire department
    Statewide: $4.2 million for Alaska Municipal League to purchase heavy equipment for several communities designed to conduct road improvements and maintain infrastructure in rural Alaska
    Statewide: $750,000 to expand veterinary care in rural Alaska to prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks in communities off the road system
    Whittier: $310,000 for the removal and abatement of asbestos hazards in community housing where 85% of the city’s residents live
    Wrangell: $2.438 million to rehabilitate Wrangell’s Public Safety Building and Emergency Operations Center
    HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES (MILCON) APPROPRIATIONS BILL
    Ensuring Alaska’s military bases are state-of-the-art facilities
    Senator Murkowski is committed to supporting servicemembers in Alaska to ensure they have access to up-to-date resources as they protect and defend our nation, but also bolster their personal well-being as they adapt to life in Alaska. She secured over $400 million in programmatic funding for a Joint Integrated Testing and Training Center (JITTC) at JBER for the Air Force, a base supply complex at JBER for the Air National Guard, and a barracks at Fort Wainwright for the Army.
    Supporting Alaska’s veterans
    Senator Murkowski was able to secure funding for the construction of State Extended Care Facilities and Veterans Cemeteries. She also secured report language directing the VA to focus on benefits eligibility education for veterans who lack a direct road connection to a VA facility. She also secured her annual bill language to allow for care-sharing agreements between Federally Qualified Health Centers in the State of Alaska and Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations which are party to the Alaska Native Health Compact with the Indian Health Service. She made certain that the VA received full funding for mental health programs, telehealth programs, women veteran gender-specific care programs, homelessness programs, and for the Office of Rural Health.
    In addition to programmatic funding, Murkowski was able to secure investments in this bill that are specific for 3 of Alaska military installations, projects that have been requested and prioritized by the Department of Defense:
    JBER: $45 million to complete the runway extension project for the Air Force.
    Eielson Air Force Base: $6.7 million to finish planning and designing of a new permanent party dormitory for the Air Force.
    Fort Wainwright: $7.7 million to begin the planning and designing of a new dining facility for the Army.
    HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH (LEG) APPROPRIATIONS BILL
    Senator Murkowski inserted report language in the Legislative Branch FY26 Appropriations Act that incentivizes the Senate Dining Room and food-service facilities in the Capitol to source domestic seafood products, including wild-caught Alaska salmon.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Mfume, Senator Alsobrooks Introduce Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) introduced the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act in the United States House of Representatives. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) simultaneously introduced the companion legislation in the United States Senate, with Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) as an original cosponsor. This legislation will serve as a lifeline for student athletes and requires college and high school athletic programs to implement heat illness emergency action plans (EAPs) in consultation with local emergency responders, including the operation and use of cold-water immersion equipment.

    This legislation honors Jordan McNair, who was a freshman on the University of Maryland football team when he collapsed during practice on May 29, 2018 due to heatstroke. Roughly 90 minutes passed before McNair arrived at a nearby hospital in critical condition. He was then airlifted to the University of Maryland Medical Center Shock Trauma Center to receive an emergency liver transplant, but tragically died 2 weeks later. 

    “Some of my fondest childhood memories were on the field playing football and Little League Baseball. Yet, for too many young athletes, these experiences turn into traumatic ones as they mourn the loss of their teammates—like Jordan McNair,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. ”However, these deaths are preventable—and through legislation like the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act, we can ensure that parents and players alike can have the peace of mind that their health is accounted for during their journey in collegiate and high school sports. I am grateful for Senator Alsobrooks’ co-leadership on this legislation, and for her work in the U.S. Senate to help get this done,” he concluded. 

    “It is long past time that we pass the Jordan McNair Act and finally ensure student athletes are protected, and college athletic programs implement heat illness emergency action plans and coordinate with local emergency responders.” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks. “Jordan McNair would be 26 today. We must honor his memory by getting this legislation passed.” she finished. 

    “I fully support the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act, because it’s a critical step toward protecting student-athletes from a 100% preventable tragedy.” said Martin McNair, Jordan’s father. “This legislation will set lifesaving safety standards for both high school and college sports programs. As a father who lost his son to heat stroke, I know firsthand the cost of inaction. It’s time we make athlete safety non-negotiable.” Mr. McNair concluded.

    “Jordan McNair’s death was a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy. In honor of his memory, we’re working with his family to ensure college, university, and high school athletic programs are prepared to effectively recognize and quickly address heat-related illnesses.” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “While I know the McNair family’s hearts will never fully heal, I am inspired that they have channeled their pain into purpose — together we will keep working to safeguard student athletes’ health and prevent others from facing the same unthinkable loss that they have.” he concluded.

    “The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) is proud to support the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act and applauds Congressman Kweisi Mfume for his leadership in prioritizing the health and safety of student athletes.” said NATA President AJ Duffy III, MS, ATC, PT.  “As the first line of defense in recognizing and responding to injuries and emergencies, athletic trainers understand the life-threatening risks posed by heat-related illnesses. While not every athlete has access to a certified athletic trainer, the implementation of emergency action plans ensures that critical, lifesaving protocols are in place when every second counts. These plans are essential tools that help protect young athletes and can truly mean the difference between life and death.” he finished. 

    An investigation conducted immediately after Jordan McNair’s death showed the athletic staff did not take aggressive measures to lower his body temperature. 

    The Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act will ensure high school and college athletic programs have heat emergency plans in action as well as cold-water immersion equipment so preventable tragedies like Jordan’s and the story of so many other student athletes won’t happen again. The legislation is endorsed by The Jordan McNair Foundation and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.

    More Information on Jordan McNair

    • Jordan McNair was a freshman offensive lineman on the University of Maryland’s football team in 2018. On May 29, 2018, Jordan was taking a conditioning test that required 10 sets of 110-yard sprints. Jordan appeared to show signs of exhaustion during the sets of sprints. Jordan collapsed and was taken to the hospital before passing away two weeks later due to exertional heatstroke.
    • Jordan was demonstrating signs of an exertional heatstroke before he completed the sprints, but he was not treated with the care required to save his life. An hour passed before a trainer called 911, even after Jordan initially started showing symptoms.
    • Some report that University staff failed to see initial signs that Jordan was suffering from a heat illness and not being treated properly. Those reports also suggest staff did not check his core temperature, did not have proper cooling devices, and did not give emergency responders suitable directions to their location.
    • Dr. Rod Walters, a former college athletic trainer and a sports medicine consultant, led an investigation launched by the University. He concluded there was roughly 1 hour, 39 minutes between when McNair collapsed and the departure of his ambulance from campus.
    • The University of Maryland has taken subsequent steps to prevent and treat heat-related injuries among their student athletes: making cold water immersion tubs available at every practice and game, installing and maintaining readily accessible automatic defibrillators in every venue, increasing the number of doctors and trainers at practices and games, providing more recovery breaks, and increasing the training and reporting structure of athletic trainers, among other reforms in line with the priorities of this legislation.

    Click Here to access the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act bill text.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Amicus Brief in Support of Skaneateles Central School District’s Policy Safeguarding the Rights and Safety of Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Students

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, July 17, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta yesterday, as part of a multistate coalition of 13 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in support of Skaneateles Central School District and its local school district policy safeguarding the privacy and safety of transgender and gender-nonconforming students. The plaintiff in Vitsaxaki v. Skaneateles Central School District a lawsuit challenging the school district’s policy of using a student’s chosen name and gender pronouns in school. The Northern District of New York granted the district’s motion to dismiss the complaint. This decision was subsequentially appealed by the plaintiff to the Second Circuit. In their brief, the attorneys general urge the Second Circuit to affirm the district court’s decision to dismiss the plaintiff’s challenge.

    “School districts have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that all students — including transgender and gender-nonconforming students — have access to education free from discrimination, harassment, and intimidation,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our amicus brief underscores our commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of all students regardless of their gender identity.”

    Attorney General Bonta and the multistate coalition have a strong interest in protecting the legal rights, physical safety, and mental health of children in schools, and in protecting them from trauma, harassment, bullying, and exposure to violence and threats of violence. Research shows that protecting a transgender student’s ability to make choices about how and when to inform others is critical to their well-being, as transgender students are exposed to high levels of harassment and mistreatment at school and in their communities.

    In the amicus brief, the coalition urges the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to affirm the district court’s decision, arguing that:

    • The school district’s policy protects against the unnecessary disclosure of a student’s gender identity and provides for disclosure under limited circumstances in a manner that ensures a safe and supportive environment for students.
    • The plaintiffs’ rigid free exercise and due process framework undermines the state’s interest in making schools safe and supportive for students.
    • States have an interest in making schools safe and supportive for all students, including transgender and gender nonconforming students.

    In filing the amicus brief, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New York, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

    A copy of the amicus brief is available here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Welcomes Relief of $6.5 Million in Summer and Afterschool Funding for Vermont

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    BURLINGTON, Vt., July 18 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today welcomed the announcement that Vermont would receive $6.5 million in funding for afterschool programs through the 21st Century Learning Centers program, as a result of his demands that the Trump administration release illegally and unconstitutionally withheld federal funds for public education. Newly-released funding supports nearly 100 afterschool and summer programs in Vermont that serve 11,000 students.

    “Today I spoke with Secretary McMahon about the release of $1.3 billion for summer and afterschool programs, including $6.5 million for Vermont, and urged her to release the remaining funding for critical education programs that is currently being illegally withheld by the Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget,” Sanders said.

    On June 30, 2025, just one day before states expected to receive the funds, the Education Department sent a three-line email to states informing them that $6.88 billion in education funding would be illegally withheld. This decision received strong opposition from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress — including a letter led by Sanders and Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) alongside 32 Democratic senators, and a letter from Senator Shelley Moore-Capito (R-W.Va.) and 9 Republican senators demanding the release of the funds.

    As a result of these efforts, today the department announced the release of $1.3 billion for programs across the country, which will support more than 10,000 summer and afterschool programs for 1.4 million students. 

    “Clearly, that is not enough. The Trump administration is still illegally withholding nearly $5.5 billion in funding for the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants, Adult Education, English Language Acquisition, and Migrant Education State Grants,” Sanders continued. “Congress clearly and unambiguously passed this education funding and the president signed it into law. The Trump administration has no right to withhold or impound it. Secretary McMahon and Director Vought must immediately release the remaining funds to states, school districts and students.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Welcomes Relief of $6.5 Million in Summer and Afterschool Funding for Vermont

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    BURLINGTON, Vt., July 18 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today welcomed the announcement that Vermont would receive $6.5 million in funding for afterschool programs through the 21st Century Learning Centers program, as a result of his demands that the Trump administration release illegally and unconstitutionally withheld federal funds for public education. Newly-released funding supports nearly 100 afterschool and summer programs in Vermont that serve 11,000 students.

    “Today I spoke with Secretary McMahon about the release of $1.3 billion for summer and afterschool programs, including $6.5 million for Vermont, and urged her to release the remaining funding for critical education programs that is currently being illegally withheld by the Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget,” Sanders said.

    On June 30, 2025, just one day before states expected to receive the funds, the Education Department sent a three-line email to states informing them that $6.88 billion in education funding would be illegally withheld. This decision received strong opposition from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress — including a letter led by Sanders and Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) alongside 32 Democratic senators, and a letter from Senator Shelley Moore-Capito (R-W.Va.) and 9 Republican senators demanding the release of the funds.

    As a result of these efforts, today the department announced the release of $1.3 billion for programs across the country, which will support more than 10,000 summer and afterschool programs for 1.4 million students. 

    “Clearly, that is not enough. The Trump administration is still illegally withholding nearly $5.5 billion in funding for the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants, Adult Education, English Language Acquisition, and Migrant Education State Grants,” Sanders continued. “Congress clearly and unambiguously passed this education funding and the president signed it into law. The Trump administration has no right to withhold or impound it. Secretary McMahon and Director Vought must immediately release the remaining funds to states, school districts and students.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Vitamin D deficiency increases risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation

    Source:

    19 July 2025

    There is a clear link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of being hospitalised by COVID-19

    As the latest wave of COVID-19 shows no signs of abating, University of South Australia experts say it’s not just booster shots that could offer protection – healthy levels of vitamin D may also play a role.

    In new research conducted in partnership with the King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation, researchers found a clear link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of being hospitalised by the virus.

    No association was found between low vitamin D and the risk of catching COVID-19.

    The study assessed more than 150,000 participants in the UK Biobank, undertaking analyses to determine whether the risk of COVID-19 was higher among people with Vitamin D deficiency (<25nmol/L in their blood) and vitamin D insufficiency (25-49 nmol/L) compared with those who had normal levels of Vitamin D (50+ nmol/L). They also compared risk of being hospitalised due to COVID-19 across these three groups.

    In Australia, nearly a quarter of adults – about four million people – are vitamin D deficient. Globally, about one billion people have vitamin D deficiency, with 50% of the population showing insufficient vitamin D levels.

    Australian-based researcher and epidemiologist, UniSA’s Dr Kerri Beckmann, says the findings could identify vulnerable people and guide future public health advice.

    “Vitamin D plays a key role in regulating the immune system, so it’s plausible that low levels may influence how the body responds to infections like COVID-19,” Dr Beckmann says.

    “Our study found that people with a vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency were more likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19 than those with healthy levels of Vitamin D – but they weren’t more likely to catch the virus in the first place.”

    The study also explored associations between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients, as well as across different ethnic groups.

    People of Asian or African/Afro-Caribbean heritage were found to have a slightly higher risk of infection if they had low vitamin D levels, though the association between low vitamin D and severe illness was only seen in people of Caucasian backgrounds.

    No association was found between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes among people previously diagnosed with cancer, though researchers caution this may reflect the smaller sample size.

    Dr Beckmann says that while risk from COVID-19 has lessened over time, the virus remains a public health concern.

    “COVID-19 may not be the threat it once was, but it still affects peoples’ well-being,” Dr Beckmann says.

    “Understanding who is most at risk helps those individuals take extra precautions, including monitoring their vitamin D levels.

    “It could be that people who are in poor health to start with may also have low vitamin D levels. So, at this stage, we don’t know whether vitamin D supplements in themselves could reduce the severity of COVID-19.

    “It’s certainly an area worth exploring – especially as we continue to live with the virus.”

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contact for interview:  Dr Kerri Beckmann E: Kerri.Beckmann@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Capito-led Efforts, Education Department Releases Critical Funds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), announced that the U.S. Department of Education will officially release critical funding to support 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
    This announcement comes after Senator Capito led a group of her Republican colleagues in a letter this week to Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), advocating to release anticipated education formula funding—an issue she has heard about directly from impacted individuals. Click here to read the full letter.
    “21st Century Community Learning Centers offer important services that many West Virginians rely on. This program supports states in providing quality after-school and summer learning programs for students while enabling their parents to work and contribute to local economies. We should be supporting education opportunities like these. I made this clear to OMB Director Vought and was glad he followed through on my request to release these critical funds. Doing so will help our students in West Virginia and across country thrive,” Senator Capito said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Boozman-Capito Efforts, Education Department Releases Critical Funds for Arkansas Students

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) welcomed the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to release critical education funding. This comes days after Boozman joined a letter led by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and signed by eight additional Senate Republican colleagues supporting the 21st Century Community Learning Centers.  
    The letter urged White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought to release education funding secured in the Fiscal Year 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act, signed into law by President Trump earlier this year. These funds support longstanding, bipartisan initiatives like after-school and summer programs in The Natural State and across the country.
    “Arkansas families, students and teachers benefit from programs that provide safe and enriching environments,” said Boozman. “I am pleased to continue working alongside my colleagues and the administration to champion access to the educational opportunities that can help Americans thrive.”
    Text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brownley, California Democrats Demand Immediate Release of $928 Million in Education Funding Owed to California

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) joined Congresswoman Norma Torres (D-CA), Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Congressmen Derek Tran (D-CA), Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), and the entire California Democratic Congressional Delegation in demanding the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately release nearly $7 billion in Congressionally-appropriated funding for K-12 schools and adult education — including $928 million owed to California.

    With the start of the new school year approaching in California, the Trump administration gave states only one day’s notice that these critical funds would be indefinitely frozen past their typical release on July 1, 2025. As a result, California schools are already being forced to roll back programs, lay off staff, and cut student services.

    “These programs support some of the most vulnerable and underserved students and communities in California and have been demonstrated to have lifelong benefits to students’ educational attainment, income, and other measures of well-being. Each passing day that these funds are unlawfully withheld hurts our schools and students and strains already limited budgets,” said the Members. “In California alone, the Trump administration’s funding freeze is affecting hundreds of thousands of students and educators. For many of California’s school districts, this funding had already been accounted for in school budgets for the upcoming school year. Now, our schools are being forced to delay hiring and reduce resources to help students.”

    The withheld funding includes vital investments in:

    • Reducing class sizes and teacher recruitment and retention, especially in underserved areas.
    • After-school, before-school, and summer learning programs in low-income communities.
    • School-based mental health services, accelerated learning courses, STEM education, and college and career counseling.
    • Academic Support for English learners and children of migrant workers.
    • Adult education and workforce readiness programs.

    With nearly 5.8 million K-12 students in California, the illegal freezing of these funds is already hurting our schools and students. Many school districts had already budgeted for these federal dollars, leaving them scrambling to fill massive funding gaps just weeks before the school year begins.

    “We demand that the Department of Education and the Trump Administration stop holding K-12 student funding hostage and release the nearly $7 billion in funding meant to help our students, teachers, and families, including the $928 million being unlawfully withheld from California,” the members continued. “This illegal freeze in funding is setting our students and schools up for failure. Our teachers, families, and children deserve better than the Trump Administration’s reckless upheaval and chaos.”

    The letter was also signed by Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Ami Bera (D-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Gilbert Cisneros (D-CA), Lou Correa (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Laura Friedman (D-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Adam Gray (D-CA), Josh Harder (D-CA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Mike Levin (D-CA), Sam Liccardo (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Dave Min (D-CA), Kefvin Mullin (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Luz Rivas (D-CA), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Maxine Waters (D-CA), and George Whitesides (D-CA).

    The full letter can be found here and below: 

    The Honorable Linda E. McMahon
    Secretary
    U.S. Department of Education
    400 Maryland Ave., SW
    Washington, D.C. 20202

    The Honorable Russell Vought
    Director
    Office of Management and Budget
    Executive Office of the President
    725 17th Street NW
    Washington, DC 20503

    Dear Secretary McMahon and Director Vought:

    As Members of the California Congressional Delegation, we write to express deep concerns regarding the Department of Education’s illegal and reckless decision to withhold nearly $7 billion in funding for K-12 schools and adult education, including $928 million for California. With the start of the new school year approaching, on June 30, 2025, States were just given one day’s notice that the funds would be indefinitely frozen past their typical release on July 1. This freeze leaves our communities scrambling and is already forcing schools in California and across America to roll back programs, lay off staff, and cut services for our students. Releasing these funds, which support critical education programs and services for millions of students, is required by law. We call on you to immediately reverse your illegal decision and distribute the funding to States.

    These funds make up more than 10% of federal investments in K-12 schools in most states. With nearly 5.8 million K-12 students in California, the illegal freezing of these Congressionally appropriated funds is already hurting our schools and students, impacting the planning, operation, and funding for programs that support:

    • Reducing class sizes; recruiting and retaining teachers, including in underserved areas; and improving the effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders through the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants program (Title II, Part A);
    • Quality, local after-school, before-school, and summer learning for students, particularly those in underserved communities, through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program (Title IV, Part B);
    • Local community efforts to improve students’ academic performance, such as accelerated learning courses, school-based mental health services, STEM education, and college and career counseling, through the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program (Title IV, Part A);
    • English language learners in learning and gaining proficiency in English through the English Language Acquisition program (Title III, Part A);
    • Education for children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers who do the hard work to ensure Americans have food on their tables, through the Migrant Education program (Title I, Part C); and
    • Providing adults and out-of-school youth with the basic skills, like reading, math, and problem-solving, needed to be productive workers, family members, and citizens, through the Adult Basic and Literacy Education State Grants.

    These programs support some of the most vulnerable and underserved students and communities in California and have been demonstrated to have lifelong benefits to students’ educational attainment, income, and other measures of well-being. Each passing day that these funds are unlawfully withheld hurts our schools and students and strains already limited budgets. In California alone, the Trump Administration’s funding freeze is affecting hundreds of thousands of students and educators. For many of California’s school districts, this funding had already been accounted for in school budgets for the upcoming school year. Now, our schools are being forced to delay hiring and reduce resources to help students. Rather than being able to work towards and plan for a successful learning environment for our students, each day that goes by means schools are forced to consider rolling back the programs mentioned above, lay off teachers, and cut back essential services.

    We demand that the Department of Education and the Trump Administration stop holding K-12 student funding hostage and release the nearly $7 billion in funding meant to help our students, teachers, and families, including the $928 million being unlawfully withheld from California. This illegal freeze in funding is setting our students and schools up for failure. Our teachers, families, and children deserve better than the Trump Administration’s reckless upheaval and chaos.

    Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter. Given the imminent start of the next school year, we request a prompt response no later than July 21, 2025.

    ###

    Issues: 119th Congress, Education, Local Issues

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bill to Support Maine’s Lobster Industry Clears Appropriations Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Published: July 18, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced significant funding and key language to support Maine’s lobster industry in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
    “This funding would support Maine’s lobster industry by improving the incomplete and imprecise science and research upon which the federal government relies. The flawed data being used to inform regulations has created unnecessary, burdensome requirements for Maine lobstermen and women,” said Senator Collins. “As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
    Funding and legislative language advanced by Senator Collins:
    North Atlantic Right Whale: $30 million for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission for Right Whale related research and monitoring.
    Language is also included directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work with Canada to develop risk reduction measures that are comparable in effectiveness to U.S. measures.
    National Sea Grant Program: $80 million for the National Sea Grant Program. Earlier this year, the Department of Commerce announced that Maine Sea Grant was being defunded. At the urging of Senator Collins, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick directed NOAA to renegotiate the terms and conditions of the work to be performed by Maine Sea Grant to ensure that it focuses on advancing Maine’s coastal economies, working waterfronts, and sustainable fisheries.
    American Lobster Research: $2 million for Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank American lobster research through Maine Sea Grant.
    $300,000 to support a cooperative research program to collect biological, fishery, and environmental data for American lobster and Jonah crab using modern technology on commercial fishing vessels.
    Language is also included that directs this research to be carried out through a partnership of state agencies, academia, and industry with a focus on “stock resilience in the face of environmental changes” and “topics necessary to respond to newly implemented or future modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan.”
    Gray Zone: Report language directing NOAA to work with Canadian and state fisheries officials to develop a cooperative fisheries management plan in the Gray Zone.
    In addition, Senator Collins advanced more than $73 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine through the CJS Appropriations bill. Of these projects, $1 million is included to expand the American Lobster Settlement Index collector survey at the University of Maine.
    This funding and language advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 CJS appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology over Black Hills, Bear Lodge area

    Source: US Geological Survey

    The flights are a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and the state geological surveys of South Dakota and Wyoming, and are part of a national effort to modernize mapping of the nation’s geology.

    “Partnership with state surveys helps accomplish national goals like mapping the critical minerals the U.S. needs, as well as water and potential hazards. The Wyoming and South Dakota geological surveys are helping with the work of the nation—and adding to state knowledge crucial to water access, hazards and the mining economy,” said Jamey Jones, science coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Mapping Resource Initiative.

    “Collection of these fundamental geologic data addresses the national prioritization of locating domestic mineral resources needed to drive the U.S. economy and provide for national security,” said Erin Campbell, Director and State Geologist of the Wyoming State Geological Survey.

    The survey is designed to advance interpretations of the Precambrian geologic framework of the greater Black Hills area, as well as aid in mapping Tertiary-age intrusions known to host rare earth elements. These elements are used in magnets for electric motors, wind turbines, and hard drives, as well as defense applications such as radar and guidance systems in fighter jets and missile systems. In 2024, the U.S. was reliant on imports for 80% of rare earth element use.

    Tim Cowman, State Geologist and Program Administrator for the South Dakota Geological Survey, noted the importance of this regional work. 

    “The collaboration between the USGS, Wyoming, and South Dakota geological surveys will benefit the entire country,” he said. “Once completed, we will have a better understanding of the complicated structure of this region and how that structure influenced emplacement of carbonatite intrusions.”

    The survey will acquire both magnetic and radiometric data using a fixed-wing aircraft. The aircraft will fly along pre-planned flight paths relatively low to the ground at about 300 feet (100 meters) above the surface. Ground clearance will be increased to 1,000 feet (300+ meters) over populated areas and will comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

    Flights may be based out of several regional airports, with Rapid City as the primary airport.

    The USGS has contracted with Fugro and Xcalibur Aviation Limited to collect data.

    Funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has facilitated coverage of such a large area.

    The survey fits into a broader effort by the USGS, the Wyoming State Geological Survey, the South Dakota Geological Survey, and other partners—including private companies, academics and state and federal agencies—to modernize our understanding of the Nation’s fundamental geologic framework and knowledge of mineral resources. 

    This effort is known as the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, and it includes airborne geophysical surveys like this one, geochemical reconnaissance surveys, topographic mapping using LiDAR technology, hyperspectral surveys and geologic mapping projects.

    Caption: Outline of survey boundaries. The fixed wing survey will take place within the blue polygon on the map.Caption: Photo of the contractor’s fixed wing survey aircraft with a “tail boom” containing sensors that measure the magnetic field. (Photo courtesy of Xcalibur Smart Mapping)

    Caption: Photo of the contractor’s fixed wing survey aircraft with a “tail boom” containing sensors that measure the magnetic field. (Photo courtesy of Xcalibur Smart Mapping)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Boston Teacher Indicted for Child Exploitation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant is believed to have communicated with at least 20 underage females around the world; Engaged in sexualized conversations while teaching in class

    BOSTON – A former science teacher at Josiah Quincy Upper School in Boston has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly coercing or enticing at least one underage female to engage in sexual conversations online and requesting she produce and send child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of herself.

    John Magee Gavin, 35, of Brookline, was indicted on one count of coercion and enticement of a minor; one count of receipt of child pornography; and one count of possession of child pornography. The defendant is currently in state custody on related charges and will appear in federal court in Boston on July 21, 2025 at 10:45 a.m.

    According to court filings, Gavin is a former teacher at the Josiah Quincy Upper School in Boston. Prior to that, he was a 6th grade teacher at the Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter Public School in Hyde Park and was a paraprofessional with the Brookline Public Schools.

    In January 2025, Gavin was allegedly identified as the owner of a Discord account who messaged at least 20 underage females between the ages of 12 and 17 years old located throughout the country, including Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia, North Carolina and Florida, as well as the United Kingdom and Canada. It is alleged that, in these chats, Gavin disclosed that he was a teacher, engaged in sexual conversations and often asked the minors to send him pictures of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct – knowing that the children were underaged. He was arrested by local authorities in February 2025 and charged in Brookline District Court with enticing a child under 16, possession of child pornography and other offenses.

    A forensic review of evidence seized from Gavin’s Brookline residence  allegedly revealed approximately 147 files (94 images and 53 videos) on his iPhone depicting CSAM. It is alleged that the CSAM depicted rape of both female and male minors, ranging in age from approximately five to 17 years old.

    Further analysis of Gavin’s Discord account identified numerous chats with underage females in which he allegedly engaged in online masturbation sessions with the minors, solicitated images from and exchanged images with the minors and engaged in sexualized conversations with the minors while he was at school. The chats also allegedly included conversations in which Gavin expressed his sexual interest in certain students at Josiah Quincy. In one conversation, Gavin allegedly discussed his sexual interest in a freshman student at the school where he was employed as a teacher and fantasied about having sex with her.

    The charge of coercion and enticement of a minor provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Brookline Police Department; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations; and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Fischer’s Effort, Education Department Releases Critical Funds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced that the U.S. Department of Education will officially release funds, including those that support 21st Century Community Learning Centers. 

    This announcement comes after Fischer joined her Republican colleagues in a letter this week to Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), advocating to release anticipated education formula funding. Click here to read the letter. 

    “I’m pleased OMB Director Vought followed through on our request to release these funds, which provide critical learning opportunities and support for Nebraska’s students and families,”     Fischer said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Announces Members of Independent Scientific Panel on Effects of Nuclear War

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    NEW YORK, 18 July (United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs) — On 17 July, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of an independent scientific panel of experts tasked with examining the physical effects and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale in the days, weeks and decades following a nuclear war.

    The panel was established pursuant to General Assembly resolution 79/238, titled “Nuclear War Effects and Scientific Research”, and is mandated to examine “the physical effects and societal consequences” of a nuclear war “on a local, regional and planetary scale, including, inter alia, the climatic, environmental and radiological effects, and their impacts on public health, global socioeconomic systems, agriculture and ecosystems, in the days, weeks and decades following a nuclear war”.

    The panel is tasked with publishing a comprehensive report on these matters, making key conclusions, and identifying areas requiring future research.  The report will be considered by the UN General Assembly at its eighty-second session in 2027.

    The last cross-sectional United Nations study of this kind was undertaken almost four decades ago in 1988 (Study on the Climatic and Other Global Effects of Nuclear War, United Nations publication, Sales No. E.89.IX.1).

    The panel consists of 21 members drawn from a range of scientific fields, including:  nuclear and radiation studies; atmospheric sciences and climate; environment and environmental studies; agriculture, biology and life sciences; public health and medicine; and behavioural and social sciences and applied economics.

    As mandated by resolution 79/238, the Secretary-General selected members of the panel based on “their leading scientific expertise across relevant disciplines, while ensuring impartiality, and equitable geographical and gender balance”.  In selecting the panel, the Secretary-General drew on the expertise and recommendations of relevant agencies from the United Nations system.

    The panel will engage the widest possible range of stakeholders, including international and regional organizations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, civil society, affected communities, and peoples from around the world, in order to understand local, regional and global perspectives on the effects of nuclear war.  Member States, relevant international and regional organizations and others are encouraged to support the panel’s work.

    The independent Scientific Panel on the Effects of Nuclear War will consist of the following 21 members, each participating in their personal capacity:

    Arlene Alves dos Reis, Head, Division of Dosimetry at the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN);

    Ana María Cetto Kramis, former Deputy Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).  Full research professor at the Physics Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).  Founder and current holder of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair on Science Diplomacy and Heritage at UNAM;

    Manvendra K. Dubey, Senior Scientist and Fellow, Earth Systems Observations, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL);

    Friederike Renate Friess, Senior Scientist, BOKU University, Department of Landscape, Water and Infrastructure, Institute of Safety and Risk Sciences;

    Abel Gonzalez, Senior Adviser to the Argentina Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Olenum member of the National Academy of Sciences of Buenos Aires, the Argentine Academy of Environmental Sciences, the Argentine Academy of the Seas, and the International Nuclear Energy Academy;

    Md Ahsan Habib, Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Fellow, Chinese Academy of Sciences;

    Andrew Haines, Professor of Environmental Change and Public Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Co-Director World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre on Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Health;

    Gi Hoon Hong, former President and Research Professor, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology;

    Togzhan Kassenova, Senior Fellow, Center for Policy Research, University at Albany, State University of New York, former member of the Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters (ABDM);

    Ausrele Kesminiene-Suonio, Senior Visiting Scientist, Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), former head of the Lithuanian Chernobyl Medical Centre;

    Peter Klimek, Director of the Supply Chain Intelligence Institute, Austria, Associate Professor, Section for Science of Complex Systems, Medical University of Vienna;

    Karina Meredith, Director of Environment Research and Technology at Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Adjunct Professor in the Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences school at University of New South Wales;

    Thobela Nkukwana, Senior Lecturer, University of Pretoria, Sub-editor for the South African Journal of Animal Sciences, Editorial Board member and Sub-editor of Welwitschia International Journal of Agricultural Sciences;

    Sébastien Philippe, research scholar at the Princeton University Program on Science and Global Security, member of the Scientific Advisory Group of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons;

    Laura Revell, Associate Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry at the University of Canterbury, member of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP) panel;

    Neil Rowan, Professor, Faculty of Science and Technological Health, University of the Shannon, Adjunct Professor to the School of Medicine, Nursing and Biomedical Science at the University of Galway;

    Rabia Sa’id, Professor of atmospheric and space-weather physics and a researcher at Bayero University Kano, Co-founder of Nigeria’s Association of Women Physicists;

    Georgiy L. Stenchikov, Professor Emeritus at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Professor of Earth Sciences, Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Earth Sciences and Engineering Program, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology;

    Masao Tomonaga, Emeritus Director, Atomic Bomb Hospital, former Director of the Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Atomic Bomb (Genbaku) Hospital, President of Nagasaki Prefecture Hibakusha Association and current President of IPPNW Nagasaki Branch.  A hibakusha from Nagasaki;

    Hüseyin Yalçinkaya, Anakara University Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Veterinary Officer at the Turkish Directorate General for Food and Control/Department of Border Control for Animal and Animal Products; and

    Zhao Wuwen, Professor at the Center for Strategic Studies, China Academy of Engineering Physics.

    Questions regarding the panel can be addressed to:  nweffectspanel@un.org.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Empowering Women through Clean Energy: African Development Bank Launches Country Diagnostics to Accelerate Inclusive Energy Transitions

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    In a significant step toward advancing inclusive climate solutions, the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), in partnership with the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) (https://apo-opa.co/44PhRQI), has launched the Gender and Renewable Energy Country Diagnostics (https://apo-opa.co/3GXAwSi)—a pivotal initiative exploring the nexus between gender equity and energy access in six African countries: Ghana (https://apo-opa.co/450VUOL), Liberia (https://apo-opa.co/44DKrFW), Mali (https://apo-opa.co/44ZZLM5), Lesotho (https://apo-opa.co/3GTIKeb), Madagascar (https://apo-opa.co/46jgk7Q), and Malawi (https://apo-opa.co/46dH5KX).

    Commissioned by the Bank under CIF’s Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program, the diagnostics provide evidence-based, country-specific recommendations to enhance women’s leadership, financial inclusion, and participation in Africa’s clean energy economy. Focusing on localized, actionable solutions, the reports identify opportunities to embed gender considerations into national energy planning, investment strategies, and policy frameworks. They also propose inclusive financing models that de-risk women-led energy enterprises and highlight the need for capacity-building efforts to strengthen technical skills, entrepreneurial readiness, and leadership among women in the renewable energy sector.

    The findings were officially unveiled at a virtual launch event on 30 June 2025, hosted by the Bank’s Climate Change and Green Growth Department and Gender and Women Empowerment Division. The event brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector, and development institutions, underscoring a strong regional commitment to gender-equitable and resilient energy transitions.

    Opening the event, Al Hamndou Dorsouma, Manager of the Climate Change and Green Growth, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to a just and inclusive energy transition. “Gender equality is a source of serious innovation and sustainable growth,” he stated, emphasizing the need to translate diagnostic findings into concrete reforms, strengthening institutional coordination, and gender-responsive business and financing mechanisms. He noted that the initiative directly responds to growing country-level demand for stronger gender integration in energy strategies, building on earlier successes in East Africa.

    Nathalie Gahunga, Manager of the Gender and Women Empowerment Division, closed the event with a compelling call to action. She urged governments, development partners, NGOs, financiers, and the private sector to turn the data into transformative investments, innovative programs, and inclusive policy reforms. “The real work begins now,” she declared, calling for cross-sector collaboration to remove structural barriers and unlock women’s full participation in Africa’s green economy.

    Fewstancia Munyaradzi, Executive Director of Rand Sandton Consulting Group (www.RandSandton.com), presented a consolidated action plan focused on closing financing gaps, building institutional capacity, and integrating gender-responsive approaches into energy policy and project design.

    At the African Development Bank, gender integration is a core priority. Gender considerations are mainstreamed in 100 percent of the Bank’s climate operations—from design through implementation. These diagnostics reflect that commitment, providing practical tools to help countries operationalize gender equality in energy planning and programming.

    As Africa advances on its path to energy transformation, diagnostics are now available to guide gender-responsive policy and investment decisions across the continent. They affirm that gender inclusion is not only a development imperative but a cornerstone of sustainable, resilient progress.

    This new effort builds on the Bank’s earlier collaboration with the Climate Investment Funds in 2020, which produced Gender and Sustainable Energy Access country briefs for Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda (https://apo-opa.co/46MLNiY). Those briefs guided gender-sensitive energy interventions and highlighted the importance of sex-disaggregated data, national-level engagement, and context-specific recommendations.

    To review the Country Diagnostic Studies on Gender and Renewable Energy, click here (https://apo-opa.co/3GXAwSi):

    Ghana
    (https://apo-opa.co/450VUOL)

    Liberia
    (https://apo-opa.co/44DKrFW)

    Mali
    (https://apo-opa.co/44ZZLM5)

    Lesotho
    (https://apo-opa.co/3GTIKeb)

    Madagascar
    (https://apo-opa.co/46jgk7Q)

    Malawi
    (https://apo-opa.co/46dH5KX)

    – on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media Contact:
    Sonia Borrini
    Climate Change & Green Growth Department
    s.borrini@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Blocks Fast-Track Consideration of Education Nominee as Trump Continues Blocking Nearly $7 Billion for Students & Schools Nationwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Murray, Sanders, Baldwin Lead Colleagues in Demanding Vought, McMahon Stop Blocking Funding for Afterschool Programs, K-12 Schools Across America

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Calls on Trump Admin to Immediately Release Billions in Funds K-12 Schools Across America are Counting On

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, objected to fast-track consideration of Mary Christina Riley, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary for Legislation and Congressional Affairs at the Department of Education, as President Trump continues to block nearly $7 billion in funding for K-12 schools and adult education programs across America just weeks away from the new school year. Riley’s nomination is privileged and could otherwise have skipped committee consideration; now, Senator Murray is forcing her nomination to go through a full committee process before it can be considered on the Senate floor.

    “As schools nationwide scramble to figure out how many teachers they need to lay off and afterschool programs warn parents to make back up plans—all because President Trump is blocking over $6 billion in education funding he himself signed into law—there is no reason for any Department of Education nominee to skip committee consideration and get fast-tracked for confirmation.

    “Just weeks out from the new school year, families, teachers, and school districts are suffering the consequences of President Trump’s needless and illegal blockade of this funding—and this administration won’t so much as explain why the money is held up or when we can expect it to go out.

    “We need accountability, so I am forcing Mary Christina Riley’s nomination to serve as an assistant secretary at the Department of Education to go back to the HELP Committee, and I am once again calling on the Trump administration to immediately release this funding, as even ten of my Republican colleagues called for yesterday.”

    The Trump administration’s decision to withhold the funding has sent school districts nationwide scrambling to determine how they could fill the, in many cases, massive budget hole and whether they’ll have to lay off teachers or end after school programs in the coming weeks. School districts have made clear they will have to end afterschool programs, already told parents to prepare backup options, and adult literacy programs have already been forced to lay off staff.

    The Trump administration has confirmed it is blocking funding for the following programs—all of which are programs President Trump has requested to eliminate in his budget request, raising serious concerns about this administration’s intentions to simply impound the funding:

    • Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (Title II-A), which support professional development and other activities to improve the effectiveness of teachers and school leaders, including reducing class size.
    • 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV-B), which support high-quality before and after-school programs focused on providing academic enrichment opportunities for students.
    • Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (Title IV-A), which provide flexible funding for school districts for a wide range of activities including supporting STEM education, accelerated learning courses, college and career counseling, school-based mental health services, and improving school technology, among many others.
    • English Language Acquisition (Title III-A), which supports language instruction to help English language learners become proficient in English.
    • Migrant Education (Title I-C), which supports the educational needs of migratory children, including children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
    • Adult Basic and Literacy Education State Grants (including Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education State Grants), which support adult education and literacy programs to provide the basic skills to help prepare adults and out-of-school youth for success in the workforce.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Blocks Fast-Track Consideration of Education Nominee as Trump Continues Blocking Nearly $7 Billion for Students & Schools Nationwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Murray, Sanders, Baldwin Lead Colleagues in Demanding Vought, McMahon Stop Blocking Funding for Afterschool Programs, K-12 Schools Across America

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Calls on Trump Admin to Immediately Release Billions in Funds K-12 Schools Across America are Counting On

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, objected to fast-track consideration of Mary Christina Riley, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary for Legislation and Congressional Affairs at the Department of Education, as President Trump continues to block nearly $7 billion in funding for K-12 schools and adult education programs across America just weeks away from the new school year. Riley’s nomination is privileged and could otherwise have skipped committee consideration; now, Senator Murray is forcing her nomination to go through a full committee process before it can be considered on the Senate floor.

    “As schools nationwide scramble to figure out how many teachers they need to lay off and afterschool programs warn parents to make back up plans—all because President Trump is blocking over $6 billion in education funding he himself signed into law—there is no reason for any Department of Education nominee to skip committee consideration and get fast-tracked for confirmation.

    “Just weeks out from the new school year, families, teachers, and school districts are suffering the consequences of President Trump’s needless and illegal blockade of this funding—and this administration won’t so much as explain why the money is held up or when we can expect it to go out.

    “We need accountability, so I am forcing Mary Christina Riley’s nomination to serve as an assistant secretary at the Department of Education to go back to the HELP Committee, and I am once again calling on the Trump administration to immediately release this funding, as even ten of my Republican colleagues called for yesterday.”

    The Trump administration’s decision to withhold the funding has sent school districts nationwide scrambling to determine how they could fill the, in many cases, massive budget hole and whether they’ll have to lay off teachers or end after school programs in the coming weeks. School districts have made clear they will have to end afterschool programs, already told parents to prepare backup options, and adult literacy programs have already been forced to lay off staff.

    The Trump administration has confirmed it is blocking funding for the following programs—all of which are programs President Trump has requested to eliminate in his budget request, raising serious concerns about this administration’s intentions to simply impound the funding:

    • Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (Title II-A), which support professional development and other activities to improve the effectiveness of teachers and school leaders, including reducing class size.
    • 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV-B), which support high-quality before and after-school programs focused on providing academic enrichment opportunities for students.
    • Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (Title IV-A), which provide flexible funding for school districts for a wide range of activities including supporting STEM education, accelerated learning courses, college and career counseling, school-based mental health services, and improving school technology, among many others.
    • English Language Acquisition (Title III-A), which supports language instruction to help English language learners become proficient in English.
    • Migrant Education (Title I-C), which supports the educational needs of migratory children, including children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
    • Adult Basic and Literacy Education State Grants (including Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education State Grants), which support adult education and literacy programs to provide the basic skills to help prepare adults and out-of-school youth for success in the workforce.

    MIL OSI USA News –